Flex solutions – Katikati substation security of supply

Overview

We invite expressions of interest (EOI) to provide flex solutions for ensuring the security of supply to the Katikati community in western Bay of Plenty.

 

The challenge

The Katikati substation is supplied by a 33kV grid exit point (GXP) connection from Transpower’s Tauranga substation.  

Our Katikati substation has two transformers – one is 10MVA and the other 12.5/17MVA. During peak electricity use times, the capacity of the substation can be put under pressure. As the community’s population grows, the pressure on the transformers will continue, something that is also affecting the capacity of the main overhead power lines coming to the substation. 

While applying variable ratings for the transformers and circuits, along with transformer temperature monitoring, means we can achieve some capacity, eventually these solutions will be insufficient. 

Our investment plans

We’re planning to apply variable rating solutions and, for the transformers, install temperature monitoring. To provide value for our customers, we’re seeking to introduce flex solutions so we can defer replacing our smaller transformer with a larger unit and the need to replace the overhead lines.

 

The opportunity

We invite expressions of interest to provide on-call flex solutions during peak demand times at Katikati substation.

What we offer

For on-call solutions, we’ll provide a retainer for having the flex solution available to us, with additional remuneration each time it is used. 

 

Our requirements 

Minimum load reduction

A minimum 500kVA load reduction is required to ensure a flex solution is of sufficient scale to be of use.

Duration

Duration requirements are set out in the table below, but we would also consider shorter period – where these periods aligned with the desired load reduction times, with a minimum of two hours.

Demand reduction periods

Load reduction would need to be available at the following times: